Beta-blockers
These medications slow heart rate, improve heart function, and reduce the work your heart does.
Beta-blockers are given to improve symptoms, to prevent worsening of heart failure leading to
hospital admission, and to improve survival. Improvement may develop slowly after starting
treatment with these medications; it may take from 3 to 6 months and sometimes longer.
Adverse effect: tiredness, dizziness, lightheadedness, temporary worsening of shortness of
breath or fluid retention, and slow heart rate. Take this medication at the same time every day.
Take this medication at least 2 hours before you have taken your ACE inhibitor. Doses are often
started very low, and are gradually increased over a period of 1-3 months, so remember that
your dosage will change. In the morning, take this medication with food and in the evening, take
this medication right after dinner.
Your doctor may prescribe any of the following beta-blockers: Carvedilol (Coreg), Metoprolol
(Lopresor, Toprol XL), Atenolol (Tenormin), Bucindolol (Bextra), or Bisoprolol (Monocor).1. For
prescription assistance visit www.apprx.org or call 1-888-477-2669. Download this chart to keep
